Dec 13th: The Philosopher Kings at Mavericks

Two decades ago, The Philosopher Kings took the Canadian music industry by storm with their infectious melodies, undeniable energy and a unique combination of pop and alternative rock.

Winning a Juno Award in 1996 for Best New Group and landing on the U.S. Top 40 chart that same year with the hit sing​le ​Charms, the band criss-crossed the country, becoming one of the most sought after and popular live acts on the circuit. Ten years ago, in 2006, the band took a hiatus as the members of the group became busy with individual producing and recording projects.

Fast forward to 2017, The Philosopher Kings have reunited with a renewed energy, revitalized focus – and brand new material. Fans of the band will get a chance to once again hear the eminently memorable, groove-infused songs that made them a live event favourite, including​ ​ I Am​ the Man, ​Cry, ​Hu​rts to Love You, and​ Cas​tles in the Sand, as well as some new favourites.

The band’s lineup is comprised of long-time members Gerald Eaton (vocals), drummer Denton Whited, keyboardist Jon Levine and guitarists James Bryan and Brian West. The talented quintet has been sequestered in their rehearsal space honing their live show, but also composing and recording hotly anticipated new material.

The band’s recording career began with its self-titled debut in 1994, which spawned t​ he hit single ​Charms, with the album eventually earning Gold status in Canada. Their commercial, critical and popular breakthrough occurred with the release of the second Philosopher Kings’ album, ​Famo​ us, Rich and Beautiful in 1997, which was certified Platinum.

A live​ album, ​One Night Stand was released in 1​999, followed by ​Castles in 2006, whereupon the band took an extended break. In the interim, Eaton continued to sing as a solo artist under the nom de plume of Jarvis Church, and has collaborated with the likes of K’naan, Nelly Furtado, and Esthero. He is also one half of the production duo “Track & Field” with band mate Brian West, who has had great success in his solo songwriter and production endeavours which include Maroon 5 and Nelly Furtado’s Latin Grammy Aw​ ard winning album M​ i Plan (2009).

James Bryan has also remained immersed in the music industry as a producer and songwriter, including being one half of the animated pop duo ​Prozzäk​, and earning writing credits on hits by numerous artists including Jessie J, James Blunt, Jason Mraz and Olly Murs.

Jon Levine is also a producer and songwriter of note, collaborating with the likes of Rachel Platten, Andy Grammer, Drake, Selena Gomez and U2 frontman Bono, while Denton Whited is an in-demand live and studio drummer and percussionist.

As busy and fulfilled as they are with their individual careers, the call from fans to return to The Philosopher Kings fold could no longer be resisted and the band members are thrilled to be able to bring their songs, their superior showmanship and their high-octane, invigorating live shows to stages worldwide.